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Modern life, it would seem, is bereft of pitfalls that consistently afflict us all: we eat too much sugar and fat; we spend too much time on our electronic devices; we don’t get enough exercise; we work too hard and so on. Correct or not, the general consensus seems to suggest that our lifestyle choices are persistently having an adverse effect on our quality of life and that, by making a few positive changes we’d all enjoy better health, be more productive and even find it easier to maintain relationships. This has led some married couples to take drastic action.

One of the most common arguments put forward with regards to our ‘unhealthy’ modern lifestyles is that we don’t get enough sleep. In response, numerous married couples are opting to sleep in separate rooms, with such couples being colloquially deemed to have had a ‘sleep divorce’. It’s a trend that’s so popular that a 2010 study conducted by The National Sleep Foundation found that almost a quarter of married American couples opted to sleep in separate rooms. But will this benefit couples that’re unhappy with their marriages?

Naturally, a better night’s sleep is not going to resolve a rift brought about by infidelity or dishonesty. Nor, for that matter, is it likely to help with disagreements over money, extended family or how to raise children. If sharing a bed is having a negative impact on one or both party’s sleeping patterns, however, then it’s entirely possible that sleeping in separate beds will help both get a good night’s sleep. This, in turn, should result in both being happier and this should positively impact on their relationship.

As we’ve alluded to previously, however, it wouldn’t be unreasonable to claim that this is little more than a solution to a very specific problem. It’s also feasible that consistently failing to get enough sleep could negatively affect a marriage, however, and that, as getting more sleep should result in the parties being happier and healthier, this should go a long way towards resolving any marital discord that may be present

On the other hand, sleeping in separate rooms can bring significant stigma (many will view it as a separation) although this isn’t going to a problem if you keep the arrangements private. Logistics can also prove to be an issue if the family home doesn’t have a spare room. This can be overcome by having two separate beds in the same room, but this all but negates any possibility of keeping the arrangement private.

Ultimately, the likelihood of a sleep divorce having a positive effect on a relationship is something that is best determined by a couple themselves.

Have you and your spouse decided that it’s time to call it a day? Save yourself thousands of pounds in solicitors’ fees by contacting Quickie Divorce today.